Afternoon Snack: Healthy Apple-Spice Muffins

"These baked beauties are a cardiologist's dream food--the pectin fiber in apples, the oat bran, and the vitamin E-rich canola oil are loved by docs because together they lower both total and LDL cholesterol and keep insulin and blood sugar levels under control," writes Kelly Singer, owner of Sassy Fit, a personal training company in Seattle that I happen to love. "But protecting yourself against heart disease won't even cross your mind when this dessert-worthy combo of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg hits your taste buds. Too yummy to be typecast as breakfast muffins, they can be popped anytime for a filling and satisfying bite. Make a full batch of these and pack one in the morning for your mid-day sugar craving at work!"

Apple-Spice Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

Recipe courtesy of Sassy Fit

*Ingredients:*1/2 c oat bran

1 c whole-wheat flour

1/4 c ground flaxseed

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 egg, beaten

4 Tbsp canola oil

1/3 c applesauce

1 shredded apple

1/4 c sugar

1/4 c chopped pecans

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350�?F.

In a large bowl, whisk together bran, flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and oil until smooth. Stir in applesauce, shredded apple, and sugar. Combine mixtures and fold in pecans.

Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.